Today [Friday 28 April], the Royal Court sentenced 25-year-old James Arnold to two years and six months years in prison for causing serious injury by careless driving whilst unfit and resisting arrest. He pleaded guilty to the offences at his first court appearance earlier this year. He was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Just after 7pm on the evening of the 19 February 2023, Arnold was driving his white Toyota Yaris and as he drove down Grenville Street and came around the corner of Colomberie at speed, he lost control and ploughed into a wall colliding with four pedestrians who were walking on the pavement towards Snow Hill.

Three of the four pedestrians were kept in hospital for several days with serious injuries following the collision, and although none of them remain in hospital, their rehabilitation continues. Understandably, they were all deeply traumatised by the incident.

Arnold was breathalysed at the scene and arrested, he was kept in police custody overnight and interviewed the next morning. He was twice over the legal limit.

Investigating Officer Police Constable James Alcock said: “This was a nasty collision that was totally avoidable. Arnold made that decision to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel. Because of that he now has lost his licence and his liberty and the people he injured are still suffering the after-effects.”